Urology Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Approach Is Key in Renal Cryoblation Coding
Published on Fri Sep 23, 2005
Question: How should I code for renal cryoblation of the kidney?
Illinois Subscriber
Answer: How you report renal cryoblation depends on the approach your urologist takes. If the physician performs the procedure via a laparoscopic approach, use 50542 (Laparoscopy, surgical; ablation of renal mass lesion[s]). If your doctor uses sonography for guidance or to monitor the response of the renal lesion to the cryoblation, you should also report 76940-26 (Ultrasound guidance for, and monitoring of, visceral tissue ablation; professional component).
If the urologist performs the procedure via an open or percutaneous approach, report the unlisted-procedure code, 53899 (Unlisted procedure, urinary system). Again, add 76940-26 if the physician uses ultrasound guidance or monitoring. If he uses CT guidance, you should also report 76362-26 (Computed tomography guidance for, and monitoring of, visceral tissue ablation; professional component).
For some private payers, especially Blue Cross/Blue Shield, you may be able to report HCPCS codes S2090 (Ablation, open, one or more renal tumor[s]; cryosurgical) or S2091 (Ablation, percutaneous, one or more renal tumor[s]; cryosurgical). These codes are not appropriate for Medicare, and you should check with your individual carriers before using them.
Illinois Subscriber
Answer: How you report renal cryoblation depends on the approach your urologist takes. If the physician performs the procedure via a laparoscopic approach, use 50542 (Laparoscopy, surgical; ablation of renal mass lesion[s]). If your doctor uses sonography for guidance or to monitor the response of the renal lesion to the cryoblation, you should also report 76940-26 (Ultrasound guidance for, and monitoring of, visceral tissue ablation; professional component).
If the urologist performs the procedure via an open or percutaneous approach, report the unlisted-procedure code, 53899 (Unlisted procedure, urinary system). Again, add 76940-26 if the physician uses ultrasound guidance or monitoring. If he uses CT guidance, you should also report 76362-26 (Computed tomography guidance for, and monitoring of, visceral tissue ablation; professional component).
For some private payers, especially Blue Cross/Blue Shield, you may be able to report HCPCS codes S2090 (Ablation, open, one or more renal tumor[s]; cryosurgical) or S2091 (Ablation, percutaneous, one or more renal tumor[s]; cryosurgical). These codes are not appropriate for Medicare, and you should check with your individual carriers before using them.
Other Articles in this issue of
Urology Coding Alert
- Find the Expert Answers to Your Toughest TURP Questions Here
The ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ rule on TURPs limits the codes you can report Determining which code to [...] - Modifiers, Part 1:
Avoid the Modifier Mix-Up With These Expert Tips
Determine when you should append 25, 57 and 59 Note: This article is the first [...] - You Be the Coder:
Does Global Period Affect SP Tube Change?
Question: I'm trying to determine how to code the following scenario: A patient is in [...] - Pay Attention to Patient Status When Coding SNF Services
Knowing which urological services are covered will save you time and money Do you think [...] - Reader Questions:
Include 44300 When Doctor Places Drainage Tubes
Question: How should I code an open removal of stones from an Indiana pouch? The [...] - Reader Questions:
Approach Is Key in Renal Cryoblation Coding
Question: How should I code for renal cryoblation of the kidney?
Illinois Subscriber
Answer: How you report [...] - Reader Questions:
Medicare Codes Include Anesthesia Services
Question: I've been told that we can report the instillation of novocaine into the bladder [...] - Reader Questions:
Remember the Ectopic Ureter Code
Question: One of our patients has presented with recurring kidney infections. The urologist is planning [...] - Reader Questions:
Lack of Color Doesn't Mean Automatic Denial
Question: Our office is able to perform ultrasound with Doppler, but we do not have [...] - Reader Questions:
Overcome Hard-to-Find Calyceal Diverticulum Codes
Question: My urologist performed a ureteroscopic incision of a stricture of the opening of a [...]
View All
